Refrigeration Fault Diagnosis & Troubleshooting

Practical training to equip participants with essential skills to identify and resolve faults in refrigeration systems

Refrigeration Fault Diagnosis & Troubleshooting

Introduction

The Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain (ACES) invites applications for the One-Day Refrigeration Fault Diagnosis & Troubleshooting Course. 

This practical training is designed to equip participants with essential diagnostic skills and techniques to identify, analyse, and resolve common faults in refrigeration systems.

Course Type
1 Day Workshop
Delivery Method
In-Person
General enquiries
[email protected]
Course Leader
Athanase Dalson Gace

Programme Dates

Course Fees

Attendance is currently FREE for all course dates.
17th June 2025
ACES Rubirizi Campus, Kigali, Rwanda
  • Apply by email to [email protected] before 4th June 2025.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be notified by June 11th, 2025

Course Description

As cooling systems become more complex, the ability to quickly and accurately diagnose faults is critical for ensuring optimal system performance, minimizing downtime, reducing operational costs, and maximising energy efficiency. The course incorporates a blend of theoretical instruction and hands-on practical activities, ensuring a holistic learning experience that bridges foundational knowledge with real-world technical application.

Through a combination of facilitator-led discussions, real-world case studies, group diagnostic activities, and interactive troubleshooting demonstrations, participants will strengthen their problem-solving skills and gain insights into best practices for both preventive and corrective maintenance.

Who Should Apply?

This course is ideal for individuals working with or responsible for refrigeration systems, including:

  • Refrigeration and HVAC technicians
  • Cold room installers and operators
  • Technical supervisors and maintenance personnel
  • Facility and operations managers
  • Entrepreneurs managing refrigeration-based businesses
Syllabus Outline

The Refrigeration Fault Diagnosis & Troubleshooting Course will cover the following key topics:

Preventive vs corrective maintenance

  • Definition and difference between preventive and corrective approaches
  • Developing a basic preventive maintenance schedule
  • Importance of keeping system logs and maintenance records

Using your senses as the first line of inspection

  • Visual cues: sight glass cues, frost formation, ice buildup, water pooling
  • Auditory signals: unusual compressor noise, hissing, knocking sounds
  • Smell and touch: detecting excessively hot or cold components, vibrations

Interpreting fault symptoms to diagnose root cause

  • What is abnormal? (e.g., high suction pressure)
  • What are the possible causes of abnormality? (e.g., overcharge, faulty TXV)
  • What corrective action should be taken?

Demonstration and practical activities

  • Using a training rig to simulate system faults
  • Step-by-step analysis of a faulty refrigeration system
  • Reading and interpreting pressure and temperature measurements
  • Leak detection and troubleshooting exercise
How To Apply

Applicants must submit a single PDF document containing the following:

  • A cover letter addressed to the Academic Head, ACES, stating your motivation for attending the training
  • A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Short responses (maximum 150 words each) to the following questions:
    1. What experience do you have with refrigeration systems or maintenance?
    2. What specific troubleshooting challenges do you hope to better understand through this course?
    3. Do you have any dietary requirements or mobility restrictions that you want us to be aware of? (This will be treated confidentially to support your attendance.)

 

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications online by the designated deadline to ACES through [email protected], with the subject line: "Refrigeration Fault Diagnosis & Troubleshooting Course Application – [Your Name]".

Join us in advancing sustainable cooling solutions and enhancing your refrigeration expertise!